1974 AMC Matador vs. 1980 BMW M1
To start off, 1980 BMW M1 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AMC Matador would be higher. At 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 376 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M1. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1980 BMW M1 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | M1 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
