2008 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 382 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.
Because 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ford | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Focus | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
