1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta 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) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 832 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Ambassador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
