1972 AMC Matador vs. 1999 Mercury Villager
To start off, 1999 Mercury Villager 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, 1999 Mercury Villager (169 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Villager weights approximately 80 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. 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 Mercury Villager, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Villager. (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Villager.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1999 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Matador | Villager |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2860 mm |
