1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2012 Volvo XC60
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC60 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 Volvo XC60 (325 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC60 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC60 weights approximately 93 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 2012 Volvo XC60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 AMC Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC60 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC60 (479 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (469 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2012 Volvo XC60 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Ambassador | XC60 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2748 mm |
