1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 18 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 50 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 702 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 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 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2580 mm |
