1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1953 Studebaker Commander
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Studebaker Commander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Studebaker Commander would be higher. At 3,809 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Studebaker Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1953 Studebaker Commander. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1953 Studebaker Commander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Studebaker Commander weights approximately 490 kg more than 1974 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, 1953 Studebaker Commander (258 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1953 Studebaker Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1953 Studebaker Commander has automatic transmission and 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Studebaker Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1953 Studebaker Commander | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Studebaker |
| Model | Bagheera | Commander |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1953 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2588 cc | 3809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3070 mm |
