1974 AMC Matador vs. 1987 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1987 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 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 131 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 392 kg more than 1987 Ford Taurus. 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, 1987 Ford Taurus, 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1987 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2511 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
