1972 AMC Matador vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 36 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 62 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 61 L |
