1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (91 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1982 Austin Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (155 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 850 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
