1972 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Kia Sportage

To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 37 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, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 420 kg more than 2009 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sportage 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 2009 Kia Sportage
Make AMC Kia
Model Matador Sportage
Year Released 1972 2009
Body Type Station Wagon SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4982 cc 1974 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 150 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 332 Nm 184 Nm
Torque RPM 2500 RPM 4500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 95.2 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 87.3 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.4:1 10.4:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1705 kg 1285 kg
Vehicle Length 5210 mm 4360 mm
Vehicle Width 1970 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1740 mm
Wheelbase Size 3000 mm 2640 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 L 58 L