1972 AMC Matador vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 130 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | AMC | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Matador | 442 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2850 mm |
