1972 AMC Matador vs. 2006 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2006 Panoz Esperante is newer by 34 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 218 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2006 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2006 Panoz Esperante 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 | 2006 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AMC | Panoz |
| Model | Matador | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
