1972 AMC Matador vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 9 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (111 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. 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 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 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 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Matador | 240 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2660 mm |
