1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 68 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ambassador | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 84 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 | 1828 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2520 mm |
