1972 AMC Matador vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 25 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 284 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1972 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2650 mm |
