1981 Matra-Simca Murena vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Matra-Simca Murena would be higher. At 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 501 more horse power than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 439 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. 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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C has automatic transmission and 1981 Matra-Simca Murena has manual transmission. 1981 Matra-Simca Murena will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | McLaren |
| Model | Murena | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2154 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
