1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante 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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 Panoz Esperante.
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 Panoz Esperante (570 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2008 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2008 Panoz Esperante will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | AMC | Panoz |
| Model | Ambassador | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 1487 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2700 mm |
