1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1972 AMC Ambassador
To start off, 1978 Alpine A 310 is newer by 6 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 4,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 798 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 1972 AMC Ambassador has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 Alpine A 310 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:
1978 Alpine A 310 | 1972 AMC Ambassador | |
Make | Alpine | AMC |
Model | A 310 | Ambassador |
Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4981 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 208 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 87.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1782 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1970 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3110 mm |