1972 AMC Matador vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1976 Ford Taunus is newer by 4 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 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 61 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 590 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus 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 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2590 mm |
