France vs West Germany — 1973 vs 1965
| Bagheera S | 912 Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 90 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 91 lb-ft | 89 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,442 cc | 1,582 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,083 lbs | 2,128 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,340 mm | 2,268 mm |
| Length | 4,063 mm | 4,163 mm |
| Units Produced | 47,802 | 30,300 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,790 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1973 Matra Bagheera S brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1973 Matra Bagheera S versus 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1973 Matra Bagheera S producing 90 hp and the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe delivering 90 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Matra Bagheera uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,442 cc, while the Porsche 912 relies on a Flat-4 OHV with 1,582 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Matra Bagheera S edges ahead at 10.5 seconds versus 11.6 seconds. On the collector market, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1973 Matra Bagheera S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1965 Porsche 912 Coupe rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.