1972 AMC Matador vs. 1968 Ford Zephyr
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 Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 346 kg more than 1968 Ford Zephyr. 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 (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1968 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 40 L |
