1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Honda Odyssey
To start off, 2012 Honda Odyssey 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 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Odyssey (248 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 365 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.
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 Odyssey, 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, 2012 Honda Odyssey (339 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Honda Odyssey | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Ambassador | Odyssey |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 2001 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1737 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3000 mm |
