1972 AMC Matador vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 114 kg more than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. 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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Matador | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | AMC | Ford |
Model | Matador | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 468 Nm | 317 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |