1972 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 33 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 354 kg more than 2005 Lotus Esprit.
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 @ 3300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Esprit. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Esprit 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 | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.1:1 |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
