1962 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 310 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1962 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1962 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Lotus | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Elan | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2380 mm |
