1962 Lotus Elite 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 Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 83 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 240 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite.
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, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Lotus | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Elite | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 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 | 660 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2380 mm |
