1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 17 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 195 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1991 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1991 Mercury Tracer 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 | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Mercury |
| Model | Bagheera | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2510 mm |
