1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage 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 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 22 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 372 kg more than 2008 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 2008 Kia Sportage 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Ambassador | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2640 mm |
