1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 213 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.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ambassador | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
