1974 AMC Matador vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 30 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 574 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.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 90 L |
