1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 453 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ambassador | 300 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
