1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 548 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Pontiac |
| Model | Bagheera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2570 mm |
