1956 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 4,343 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 352 kg more than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
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. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Bel Air | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4343 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2610 mm |
