2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 440 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Caterham | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 7 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2380 mm |
