1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 36 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, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 286 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2670 mm |
