1974 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 35 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 126 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 424 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 303 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Matador | Civic |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 50 L |
