1974 AMC Matador vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 7 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, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 492 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 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 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 528 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
