1972 AMC Matador vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan 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 137 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 845 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan 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 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| 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 | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
