1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa 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 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,588 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 522 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
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, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Ferrari | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 500 Testarossa | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 257 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
