2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 360 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1975 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Caterham | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 21 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2380 mm |
