1996 Honda Ballade vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade 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 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 190 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.
Because 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Honda Ballade (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Honda | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Ballade | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2380 mm |
