1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2002 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2002 Panoz AIV is newer by 30 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, 2002 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 648 kg more than 2002 Panoz AIV.
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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Panoz AIV. (408 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Panoz AIV. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2002 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 2002 Panoz AIV 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 | 2002 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | AMC | Panoz |
| Model | Ambassador | AIV |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
