2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1097 kg more than 1979 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Explorer | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
