1977 AMC Matador vs. 1986 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1986 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 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, 1977 AMC Matador (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1986 Ford Taurus. (101 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 461 kg more than 1986 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Taurus, 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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Taurus. (187 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1986 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
