1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 210 kg more than 1973 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2380 mm |
