2003 BMW M3 vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1976 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | M3 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
