1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 17 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 45 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 692 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Caterham | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Super 7 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
