1972 AMC Matador vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 214 kg more than 2003 Panoz Esperante.
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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AMC | Panoz |
| Model | Matador | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 59 L |
