1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 674 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Ambassador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 83.8 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 | 1803 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2340 mm |
