1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 388 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 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 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2670 mm |
