1977 AMC Matador vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 793 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 31 L |
