1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is newer by 26 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (242 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1970 AMC Ambassador. (210 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger weights approximately 300 kg more than 1970 AMC Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 AMC Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger. 1970 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger 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 | 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger | |
| Make | AMC | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Ambassador | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
