1958 BMW 501 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 203 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. Let's talk about torque, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 501 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
