1972 AMC Matador vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador 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 55 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 301 kg more than 1974 BMW 3. 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 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 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:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2700 mm |
