1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 BMW 323
To start off, 2009 BMW 323 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 323. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 323. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 323 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 323 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 323 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2770 mm |
