1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 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 @ 4600 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 838 kg more than 1981 Volvo 343. 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Ambassador | 343 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
