1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1974 Mercury Cougar 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 228 kg more than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercury Cougar. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1974 Mercury Cougar has manual transmission. 1974 Mercury Cougar 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 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Ambassador | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2860 mm |
