1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 1998 BMW 317
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 28 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 121 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 295 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 1970 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 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 | 1998 BMW 317 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 317 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
