1972 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 104 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
