1972 AMC Matador vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 40 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, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 135 kg more than 2012 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 318. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 318. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 57 L |
