1956 Citroen DS vs. 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,911 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (65 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Citroen DS weights approximately 278 kg more than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Because 1978 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 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS, 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, 1956 Citroen DS (133 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1956 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Citroen DS | 1978 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Citroen | Matra-Simca |
| Model | DS | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1911 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1258 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
