1972 AMC Matador vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 880 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 1972 AMC Matador (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Seven |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 29 L |
