1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 289 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AMC Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (408 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Ambassador | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
