1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2012 GMC Yukon 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Yukon (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Yukon weights approximately 863 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 GMC Yukon (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (428 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | AMC | GMC |
| Model | Ambassador | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1803 kg | 2666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2946 mm |
