1977 AMC Matador vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 591 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
