1974 AMC Matador vs. 1956 Morris Minor
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Morris Minor would be higher. At 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1956 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1956 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 967 kg more than 1956 Morris Minor. 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1956 Morris Minor | |
| Make | AMC | Morris |
| Model | Matador | Minor |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 45 L |
