1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Fiat | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 1500 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2380 mm |
