1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 394 kg more than 1974 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Pontiac |
| Model | Bagheera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2588 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
