1976 Bristol 603 vs. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera
To start off, 1976 Bristol 603 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 603 (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 603 should accelerate faster than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 603 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1973 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, 1976 Bristol 603 (333 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. (108 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera. 1976 Bristol 603 has automatic transmission and 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera has manual transmission. 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 603 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 603 | 1973 Matra-Simca Bagheera | |
| Make | Bristol | Matra-Simca |
| Model | 603 | Bagheera |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2380 mm |
