1974 AMC Matador vs. 2006 BMW 120
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 32 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 72 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 43 kg more than 1974 AMC Matador.
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 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 120. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 120 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 | 2006 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 120 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 50 L |
