1973 Honda Life vs. 1972 Matra-Simca M530
To start off, 1973 Honda Life is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Matra-Simca M530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Matra-Simca M530 would be higher. At 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Matra-Simca M530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Matra-Simca M530 (71 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1973 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Matra-Simca M530 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Matra-Simca M530 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1973 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Matra-Simca M530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Matra-Simca M530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Life, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Matra-Simca M530 (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Life. (29 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1972 Matra-Simca M530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Life | 1972 Matra-Simca M530 | |
| Make | Honda | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Life | M530 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 29 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2570 mm |
