1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1986 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 706 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AMC Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1986 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | AMC | Suzuki |
| Model | Ambassador | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2040 mm |
