1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 39 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 73 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 158 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2968 mm |
