1976 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Falcon (256 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Falcon weights approximately 605 kg more than 1979 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (491 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Falcon | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Falcon | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2380 mm |
