1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1980 Toyota Carina is newer by 10 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 122 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (88 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 695 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1970 AMC Ambassador (414 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina. 1970 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1980 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1980 Toyota Carina 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 | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Ambassador | Carina |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 70 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2510 mm |
