1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 148 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
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 (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 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 2012 BMW M3. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2761 mm |
