1984 Ford Orion vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 11 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Orion weights approximately 50 kg more than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Because 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Orion | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Orion | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
