1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1996 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1996 TVR Griffith is newer by 14 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (91 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 TVR Griffith.
Because 1996 TVR Griffith 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 1996 TVR Griffith. 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, 1996 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (155 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Griffith will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1996 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Austin | TVR |
| Model | Ambassador | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2290 mm |
