1974 AMC Matador vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 28 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 212 kg more than 2002 Acura CL.
Because 1974 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | AMC | Acura |
| Model | Matador | CL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 65 L |
