1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
