1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera vs. 1958 Peugeot 203
To start off, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Peugeot 203. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Peugeot 203 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 41 more horse power than 1958 Peugeot 203. (44 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera should accelerate faster than 1958 Peugeot 203. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Peugeot 203 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Peugeot 203. (78 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Peugeot 203.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Matra-Simca Bagheera | 1958 Peugeot 203 | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Peugeot |
| Model | Bagheera | 203 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1440 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
