1977 AMC Matador vs. 1976 Ford Escort
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort 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 75 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 951 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1976 Ford Escort | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Escort |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 53 L |
