1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar 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 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 60 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 467 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Ambassador | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | AMC | Mercury |
Model | Ambassador | Cougar |
Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2301 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 164 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1315 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2690 mm |