1974 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave is newer by 38 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, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 376 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.
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, 2012 Buick Enclave, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick Enclave. (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick Enclave.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Matador | Enclave |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1842 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 83 L |
