1974 AMC Matador vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 22 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 19 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 537 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 51 L |
