1974 AMC Matador vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1974 AMC Matador is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 342 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Mustang. (254 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Mustang. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 4090 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 74 L |
