1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban (352 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 962 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 Suburban (517 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ambassador | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 352 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 517 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 2790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3302 mm |
