1972 AMC Matador vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 30 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, 1972 AMC Matador (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 679 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | AMC | Smart |
| Model | Matador | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 22 L |
