1972 AMC Matador vs. 1999 BMW 540
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 27 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, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 171 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (427 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 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 | 1999 BMW 540 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 540 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1771 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2840 mm |
