1974 AMC Matador vs. 2008 Ford Taurus X
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 Taurus X (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AMC Matador weights approximately 685 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
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 Taurus X, 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, 1974 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus X. (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 AMC Matador | 2008 Ford Taurus X | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Taurus X |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 78 L |
