1972 AMC Matador vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 68 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Stratos. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Stratos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 650 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos. 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Stratos. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | AMC | Lancia |
| Model | Matador | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 225 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 | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 80 L |
