1974 AMC Matador vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 37 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1974 AMC Matador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1974 AMC Matador. 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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 AMC Matador. (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2011 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 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5896 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4250 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 | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 61 L |
