1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 551 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Ambassador | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2440 mm |
