1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 25 kg more than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
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, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Vega | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 60 L |
