1972 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 610 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
