1972 AMC Matador vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 138 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 76 L |
