1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,440 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP) has 31 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
