1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1976 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, 1955 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Bristol | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 403 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2380 mm |
