1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 440 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1976 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Fiat | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 500 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
