1959 BMW 503 vs. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 298 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | BMW | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 503 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 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 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
