1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 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 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 42 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 108 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
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, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercury Cougar 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. 1999 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Matra-Simca | Mercury |
Model | Bagheera | Cougar |
Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2588 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |