1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1981 Honda Ballade 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP) has 188 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 1043 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. 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, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Ballade 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 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Ambassador | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2330 mm |
