1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 316 kg more than 2009 BMW 135.
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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 135 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 135 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 135 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 135 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2670 mm |
