1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 616 kg more than 1978 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Pontiac |
| Model | Bagheera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
