1972 AMC Matador vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 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 104 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 895 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elise 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 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 197 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 | 1600 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
