1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina should accelerate faster than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 75 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
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, 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
