1972 AMC Matador vs. 1966 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP) has 97 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 730 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1966 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 40 L |
