1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,440 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 470 kg more than 1973 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, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Fiat | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 500 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1440 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
