1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 10 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. (106 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 38 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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, 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1982 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | AMC | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Ambassador | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 103.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 22.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2900 mm |
