1972 AMC Matador vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 18 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 11 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 43 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador.
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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 45 L |
