1974 AMC Matador vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 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 80 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1986 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 60 L |
