1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 38 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (541 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 39 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.
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, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2720 mm |
