1988 BMW 524 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 2,588 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 524 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
