1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 772 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster. 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 (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2002 Smart Roadster 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 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | AMC | Smart |
| Model | Ambassador | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2370 mm |
