1977 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador.
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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Exige. (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Exige. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige 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 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Matador | Exige |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 40 L |
