1972 AMC Matador vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 26 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 465 kg more than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 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 | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
