1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (280 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 882 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 Chevrolet Express (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ambassador | Express |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4981 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 2664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3429 mm |
