1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 17 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 20 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 400 kg more than 1989 Citroen XM. 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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1989 Citroen XM has manual transmission. 1989 Citroen XM 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 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | AMC | Citroen |
| Model | Ambassador | XM |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| 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 | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2860 mm |
