1972 AMC Matador vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 7 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 60 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 571 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. 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 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | 121 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
