1974 AMC Matador vs. 1983 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1983 Honda Ballade is newer by 9 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) has 153 more horse power than 1983 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1983 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Honda Ballade, 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1983 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Matador | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2330 mm |
