1977 AMC Matador vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 AMC Matador (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 1121 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Matador | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
