1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 124 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Ambassador | 240 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
