1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 580 kg more than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Nova | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2380 mm |
