1972 AMC Matador vs. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton is newer by 13 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 166 more horse power than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 584 kg more than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Vauxhall Carlton. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1985 Vauxhall Carlton has manual transmission. 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 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 | 1985 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | AMC | Vauxhall |
| Model | Matador | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2680 mm |
