1974 AMC Matador vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 74 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 264 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Matador | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
