1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 25 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 309 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 850 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2690 mm |
