1972 AMC Matador vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 300 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
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) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 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 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
