1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 40 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, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 152 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 BMW 550 | |
Make | AMC | BMW |
Model | Ambassador | 550 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 469 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
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 | 1980 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 |