1964 Austin Princess 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 Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin Princess (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 1200 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 Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1964 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Princess | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
