1977 Ford Cortina vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 3 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 228 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 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 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Cortina | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Cortina | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2380 mm |
