1972 AMC Matador vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 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 100 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 63 kg more than 2001 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 (468 Nm) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2270 mm |
