1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1954 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 762 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin-Healey 100. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | AMC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Ambassador | 100 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2290 mm |
