1974 AMC Matador vs. 1968 Ford Ranchero
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,022 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 227 kg more than 1968 Ford Ranchero.
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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1968 Ford Ranchero | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Ranchero |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 7022 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 110.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 91.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
