1974 AMC Matador vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven 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 94 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 1042 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Seven |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 29 L |
