2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 374 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.
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 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 2003 Ford Mustang 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. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Mustang | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
