1972 AMC Matador vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 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 185 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 929 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Matador 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 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1972 AMC Matador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
