1972 AMC Matador vs. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 30 kg more than 1971 De Tomaso Pantera.
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, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1971 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 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 | 1971 De Tomaso Pantera | |
| Make | AMC | De Tomaso |
| Model | Matador | Pantera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 481 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 280 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 | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
