1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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 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 97 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 603 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ambassador | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2720 mm |
