1977 AMC Matador vs. 1981 Ford Capri
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 671 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.
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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri 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 | 1981 Ford Capri | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Capri |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 59 L |
