1966 Abarth 700 vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1966 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1966 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 330 kg more than 1966 Abarth 700. 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, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Abarth 700 | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Abarth | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 700 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2380 mm |
