1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 583 kg more than 1973 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, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Bel Air | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2380 mm |
