1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 612 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Ambassador is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Ambassador | Civic |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1216 kg |
