1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 788 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.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bagheera | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2588 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
