1972 AMC Matador vs. 1989 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1989 Ford Meteor is newer by 17 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 79 more horse power than 1989 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Meteor.
Because 1972 AMC Matador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Meteor, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Meteor. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Meteor has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Meteor 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 | 1989 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
