1974 AMC Matador vs. 2002 Lexus SC
To start off, 2002 Lexus SC 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 Lexus SC (312 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 23 kg more than 1974 AMC Matador. 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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2002 Lexus SC | |
| Make | AMC | Lexus |
| Model | Matador | SC |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 4298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 312 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2620 mm |
