1974 AMC Matador vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 447 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 AMC Matador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
