1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 588 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ambassador | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2570 mm |
