1972 AMC Matador vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 275 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Matador | Century |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
