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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 51 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
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 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2700 mm |
