1972 AMC Matador vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 32 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 37 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 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 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 63 L |
