1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 497 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Ambassador | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2329 mm |
