1972 AMC Matador vs. 1973 Mercury Monterey
To start off, 1973 Mercury Monterey is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Monterey (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 225 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. 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, 1973 Mercury Monterey (383 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1973 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Matador | Monterey |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3160 mm |
