1972 AMC Matador vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (370 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 148 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | GTO |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 67 L |
