1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 6 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 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 126 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 128 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ambassador | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2950 mm |
