1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 116 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 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AMC Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | AMC | Hyundai |
| Model | Ambassador | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1898 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
