1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 229 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Ambassador | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
