1972 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 472 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 3100 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Fiat |
| Model | Matador | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
