1972 AMC Matador vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 24 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 124 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 582 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Ford Escort, 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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort 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 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 48 L |
