1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (325 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 108 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (475 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Ambassador | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2570 mm |
