1972 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 131 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2012 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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 48 L |
