1977 AMC Matador vs. 2005 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 28 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 149 kg more than 2005 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 AMC Matador. (298 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 2005 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1712 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 68 L |
