1977 AMC Matador vs. 1972 AMC Ambassador
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 5 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), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 79 kg more than 1972 AMC Ambassador.
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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 AMC Matador. (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1972 AMC Ambassador | |
| Make | AMC | AMC |
| Model | Matador | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 4981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1782 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3110 mm |
