1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 1974 Honda Life
To start off, 1974 Honda Life is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Ambassador would be higher. At 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AMC Ambassador (210 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 AMC Ambassador 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 1970 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 1970 AMC Ambassador (414 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life. 1970 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1974 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1974 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 AMC Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Ambassador | 1974 Honda Life | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Ambassador | Life |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2090 mm |
