1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 68 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Ambassador | 1996 BMW 540 | |
Make | AMC | BMW |
Model | Ambassador | 540 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5899 cc | 4398 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 220 HP | 282 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 428 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 82.7 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2840 mm |