1974 AMC Matador vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 289 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan 370Z. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Matador | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1316 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 72 L |
