1974 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 108 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
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 Toyota Highlander, 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Matador | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 73 L |
