1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 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, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 178 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 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 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2761 mm |
