1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 14 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 902 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort 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 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
