1972 AMC Matador vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 534 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | W12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
