1977 AMC Matador vs. 1994 Caterham Seven
To start off, 1994 Caterham Seven is newer by 17 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, 1994 Caterham Seven (165 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Caterham Seven should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 1321 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven.
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) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1994 Caterham Seven has manual transmission. 1994 Caterham Seven 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 | 1994 Caterham Seven | |
| Make | AMC | Caterham |
| Model | Matador | Seven |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 165 HP |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2240 mm |
