2009 Alpina Roadster vs. 1974 AMC Matador
To start off, 2009 Alpina Roadster is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AMC Matador would be higher. At 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina Roadster (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 397 kg more than 2009 Alpina Roadster.
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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina Roadster. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina Roadster. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2009 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2009 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina Roadster | 1974 AMC Matador | |
| Make | Alpina | AMC |
| Model | Roadster | Matador |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 103.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 92 L |
