1972 AMC Matador vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 31 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 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 1067 kg more than 2003 Caterham 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 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 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | AMC | Caterham |
| Model | Matador | 7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 209 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 | 1567 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2230 mm |
