1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour 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 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
