1988 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Lada | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Niva | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
