1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 41 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 66 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10:01 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1636 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2810 mm |
