1962 Abarth 600 vs. 1974 AMC Matador
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 12 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 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 600. (59 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 1209 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 600. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 600. 1974 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. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 600 | 1974 AMC Matador | |
| Make | Abarth | AMC |
| Model | 600 | Matador |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 980 cc | 5896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 103.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 583 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 92 L |
