1977 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 179 kg more than 1977 AMC Matador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 502 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 AMC Matador. (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Matador | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 80 L |
