1974 AMC Matador vs. 1994 BMW 854
To start off, 1994 BMW 854 is newer by 20 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, 1994 BMW 854 (323 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 854 should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 854 weights approximately 88 kg more than 1974 AMC Matador. 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, 1994 BMW 854 (490 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 854 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1994 BMW 854 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 854 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 5378 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
