1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 871 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Prefect 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 | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2220 mm |
