1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 79 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Sharan. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2840 mm |
