1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 9 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 356 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 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 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | AMC | Ferrari |
| Model | Ambassador | 308 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2350 mm |
