1981 Matra-Simca Murena vs. 1971 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 2,154 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Matra-Simca Murena weights approximately 320 kg more than 1971 Toyota Publica. 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, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Publica. (63 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Matra-Simca Murena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | 1971 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Toyota |
| Model | Murena | Publica |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2154 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2170 mm |
