1972 AMC Matador vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 18 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 520 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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 (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 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 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
