1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 212 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Ambassador | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3110 mm |
