1974 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2005 Ford Ranger 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 110 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 517 kg more than 2005 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ranger. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Ranger 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 Ranger | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1275 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 45 L |
