1974 AMC Matador vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AMC Matador 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 120 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 942 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3. 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 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Matador | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 65 L |
