1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1980 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1980 Lotus Eclat is newer by 8 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 553 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat. 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Eclat. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Eclat. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 | 1980 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Ambassador | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2490 mm |
