1974 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2005 Ford Econovan is newer by 31 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 130 more horse power than 2005 Ford Econovan. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Econovan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 497 kg more than 2005 Ford Econovan. 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 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Econovan. (138 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Econovan. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Econovan has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Econovan 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 | 2005 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 1788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2210 mm |
