1972 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 30 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1003 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AMC Matador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | AMC | Land Rover |
| Model | Matador | Defender |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 75 L |
