1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1981 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AMC Gremlin (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Gremlin should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Gremlin weights approximately 176 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 AMC Gremlin is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 AMC Gremlin. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1970 AMC Gremlin (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Gremlin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | AMC | Plymouth |
| Model | Gremlin | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
