1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 110 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Escort | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
