1972 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 822 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise 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 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 44 L |
