1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 793 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2340 mm |
