1974 AMC Matador vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2003 Toyota Solara is newer by 29 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 58 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 397 kg more than 2003 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Toyota Solara, 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 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Solara. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Solara 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 | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Matador | Solara |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
