1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 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 62 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 207 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Ambassador | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | AMC | Pontiac |
Model | Ambassador | Firebird |
Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5899 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 220 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 428 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |