1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 70 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Escort | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2380 mm |
