1972 AMC Matador vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 376 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. 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, 1972 AMC Matador (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
