1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1961 Bristol 406
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Bristol 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Bristol 406 would be higher. At 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1961 Bristol 406. (92 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1961 Bristol 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 522 kg more than 1961 Bristol 406. 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Bristol 406. (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Bristol 406. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1961 Bristol 406 has manual transmission. 1961 Bristol 406 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 | 1961 Bristol 406 | |
| Make | AMC | Bristol |
| Model | Ambassador | 406 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 68.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 99.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2900 mm |
