1974 AMC Matador vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 34 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 676 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 AMC Matador. 1974 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 61 L |
