1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 80 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 430 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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 Nissan Altima, 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 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Altima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Ambassador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Ambassador | Altima |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2675 mm |
