1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 34 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 276 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 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 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2840 mm |
