1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 11 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 647 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel.
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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Excel 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 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Ambassador | Excel |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2520 mm |
