1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera weights approximately 62 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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, 1959 Porsche 356 (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1959 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Porsche |
| Model | Bagheera | 356 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2110 mm |
