1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1974 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1974 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Ambassador would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 404 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 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 | 1974 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Ambassador | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3110 mm |
