1972 AMC Matador vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 27 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 22 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 325 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. 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, 1999 Ford Contour, 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1567 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
