1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1997 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 212 kg more than 1997 Jaguar XK.
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 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1997 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | AMC | Jaguar |
| Model | Ambassador | XK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3040 mm |
