1981 Matra-Simca Murena vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Matra-Simca Murena would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena. 2012 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 1981 Matra-Simca Murena has manual transmission. 1981 Matra-Simca Murena will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Matra-Simca | Toyota |
| Model | Murena | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2154 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2819 mm |
