1974 AMC Matador vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 42 kg more than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 76 L |
