1974 AMC Matador vs. 1997 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1997 Ford Ranger is newer by 23 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 102 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 397 kg more than 1997 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1997 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
