1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1971 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 1078 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 1302. 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 385 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen 1302. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen 1302 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 | 1971 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
