1992 BMW 540 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 18 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 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 540 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2380 mm |
