1977 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 32 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 736 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Because 1977 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mini Cooper. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mini Cooper. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2009 Mini Cooper 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 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | AMC | Mini |
| Model | Matador | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 50 L |
