1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 Kia Opirus
To start off, 2009 Kia Opirus 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 55 more horse power than 2009 Kia Opirus. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Opirus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Opirus weights approximately 69 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Because 1972 AMC Ambassador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Opirus. (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Opirus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2009 Kia Opirus | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Ambassador | Opirus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1897 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2810 mm |
