1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1972 AMC Matador
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 1151 kg more than 1962 Abarth 600. 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, 1972 AMC Matador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1962 Abarth 600 has manual transmission. 1962 Abarth 600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1972 AMC Matador | |
| Make | Abarth | AMC |
| Model | 600 | Matador |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 105.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 1734 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
