1974 AMC Matador vs. 1972 AMC Javelin
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Javelin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Javelin 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 69 more horse power than 1972 AMC Javelin. (151 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Javelin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 342 kg more than 1972 AMC Javelin. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Javelin. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Javelin. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1972 AMC Javelin has manual transmission. 1972 AMC Javelin 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 | 1972 AMC Javelin | |
| Make | AMC | AMC |
| Model | Matador | Javelin |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 4982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 60 L |
