1977 AMC Matador vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 34 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 40 kg more than 2011 Ford Taurus.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 AMC Matador. (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Matador | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 72 L |
