1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1961 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect 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 160 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 879 kg more than 1961 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1961 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 | 1961 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2220 mm |
