1974 AMC Matador vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AMC Matador 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 20 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 207 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | AMC | Pontiac |
Model | Matador | Firebird |
Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5896 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 220 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 427 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2750 mm |