1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 511 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Ambassador | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
