1977 AMC Matador vs. 1971 Austin 3
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 371 kg more than 1971 Austin 3.
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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1971 Austin 3 | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Matador | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 65 L |
