1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 354 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Because 1972 AMC Ambassador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Ambassador | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
