1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 31 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 6 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 38 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
