1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 27 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 436 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1999 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 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Contour |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2760 mm |
