1972 AMC Matador vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 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 91 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 547 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2560 mm |
