1974 AMC Matador vs. 1984 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1984 Ford Meteor is newer by 10 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 148 more horse power than 1984 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 907 kg more than 1984 Ford Meteor. 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, 1984 Ford Meteor, 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 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1984 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2370 mm |
