1974 AMC Matador vs. 1996 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1996 Lincoln Continental is newer by 22 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 2 more horse power than 1996 Lincoln Continental. (218 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1996 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 42 kg more than 1996 Lincoln Continental. 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, 1996 Lincoln Continental, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1996 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | AMC | Lincoln |
| Model | Matador | Continental |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
| 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 | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 75 L |
