1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,470 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Europa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 290 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Lotus | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Europa | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2380 mm |
