1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 307 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Ambassador | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Ambassador | 280 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2800 mm |