1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Cortina weights approximately 140 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2380 mm |
