1972 AMC Matador vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 42 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 943 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. 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 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 87 L |
