1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 514 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 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 | 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | |
| Make | AMC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Ambassador | 3000 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 2911 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1143 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2340 mm |
