1972 AMC Matador vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1981 Ford Granada is newer by 9 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 2 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Granada has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Granada 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 | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Granada |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2780 mm |
