1977 AMC Matador vs. 1971 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 AMC Matador (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 611 kg more than 1971 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1971 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2930 mm |
