1996 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1973 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | M3 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2380 mm |
