1974 AMC Matador vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 16 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, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 592 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 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 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | M3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 62 L |
