1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, both 1974 Lotus Eclat and 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,588 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 147 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Lotus | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Eclat | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
