1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 1979 Volvo 265 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 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 2 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 382 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265. 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 265 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 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Ambassador | 265 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
