1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 426 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1977 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Caterham | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Super 7 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
