Performance Review: AMC Matador X Coupe - [1974]

Figures & Specs Summary:

AMC Matador Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the AMC Matador X Coupe is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1974. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6.This particular AMC Matador has a 5896cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Matador shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Matador's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1792 kgs (3950 lbs) this makes the AMC Matador X Coupe in the same weight category as the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid or the give or take 50kg.

The AMC Matador shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 5896cc 16V V8 engine produces 220 bhp (164 kW) @ 4400 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 315 lb-ft (427.0 Nm) @ 3100 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the AMC Matador you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1995 Fiat Coupe 2.0 16V Turbo (147.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the AMC Matador.

The AMC Matador has a Power to weight ratio of 122.7 bhp per ton and 175.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1974 Matador competing with the 1995 Fiat Coupe 2.0 16V Turbo (147.7 bhp per ton) or the 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS 283 V8 Turbo Fire (147.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the AMC Matador generating around 175.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD DSG 2.0 Turbo Diesel (200.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Subaru Impreza P1 - Classic (200.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.2 secs, this made the AMC Matador X Coupe as fast as the 2008 Audi A4 1.8T Avant (8.90 secs) the 2005 Suzuki Swift 1.6 VVT Sport (8.90 secs) the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Omega 3.2 V6 Automatic (8.90 secs) the or the 1990 Volvo 940 2.3 Turbo (8.90 secs). This AMC Matador X Coupe is also faster than the 2012 Mini Cooper SD Paceman (9.00 secs) the 2007 Ford Taurus AWD 3.5 V6 (9.00 secs) the 2004 Vauxhall-Opel Corsa 1.8 GSi (9.00 secs) the and the 2002 Land-Rover Range Rover V8 Vogue (9.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Matador and the 1969 Maserati Indy Tipo 116 4.1 V8

When talking about the performance of the AMC Matador on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.59 secs @ 82.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1969 Maserati Indy Tipo 116 4.1 V8 (16.53 secs), the 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe (16.54 secs), and the 1985 Alpine GTA V6 Turbo (16.54 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1974 version of the AMC Matador X Coupe has a maximum speed of 116mph.

Top Speed of the 1974 Matador equals the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (127 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1974 AMC Matador X Coupe then how about the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (127 mph), the 2011 Abarth 500C 1.4 Turbo (127 mph), or the 2011 Lotus Elise Club Racer (127 mph).

Related Links:

1974 Matador Rivals List.

A Brief History of AMC

Car Comparison