1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1981 Toyota Carina 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 848 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. 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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Carina 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 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Ambassador | Carina |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2510 mm |
