1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 33 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 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, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, 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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer. (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Ambassador | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
