1970 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 42 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 95 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 250 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2651 mm |
