1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1978 Toyota Celica 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 666 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Ambassador | Celica |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2510 mm |
