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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 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 358 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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 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 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
