1998 Buick Signia vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 24 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 538 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1998 Buick Signia has automatic transmission and 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Buick | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Signia | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2610 mm |
