1974 AMC Matador vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 34 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 79 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 397 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. 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 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 318 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 63 L |
