1972 AMC Matador vs. 1978 Austin Marina
To start off, 1978 Austin Marina is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador 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 196 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 852 kg more than 1978 Austin Marina. 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 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Marina 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 | 1978 Austin Marina | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Matador | Marina |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 70.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2440 mm |
