1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 16 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 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 66 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2770 mm |
