1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan 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 35 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 1086 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan 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 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | AMC | Lotus |
Model | Ambassador | Elan |
Year Released | 1972 | 1966 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
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 | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2140 mm |