1979 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 25 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. 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, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Escort | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
