1972 AMC Matador vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 634 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2270 mm |
