1977 AMC Matador vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 281 kg more than 2008 BMW 318.
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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Matador | 318 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4490 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 |
