1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 12 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 132 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 618 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Ambassador | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
