1977 AMC Matador vs. 1992 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1992 Ford Tempo is newer by 15 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 23 more horse power than 1992 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 696 kg more than 1992 Ford Tempo. 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, 1992 Ford Tempo, 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Ford Tempo. (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Ford Tempo. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1992 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1992 Ford Tempo 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 | 1992 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2540 mm |
