USA vs USA — 1974 vs 1973
| Matador X Oleg Cassini | Grand Am 455 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.2 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 4,000 lbs | 4,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,896 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,410 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,674 | 56,063 |
| Original MSRP | $4,793 | $4,353 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $32,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 5/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1974 AMC Matador X Oleg Cassini offers greater rarity, while the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 counters with quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The 1974 AMC Matador X Oleg Cassini and 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 stand as two of the most notable Personal Luxury cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1974 AMC Matador X Oleg Cassini producing 255 hp and the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 delivering 250 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the AMC Matador uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,555 cc, while the Pontiac Grand Am relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 edges ahead at 8.0 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,674 units built, the 1974 AMC Matador X Oleg Cassini is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac Grand Am's 56,063 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.