1972 AMC Matador vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 38 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 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 294 kg more than 2010 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
