1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 35 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (613 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 528 more horse power than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 970 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 891 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Bagheera | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1442 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2585 mm |
