1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 2005 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2005 Kia Sorento is newer by 23 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 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Kia Sorento (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Sorento weights approximately 883 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 2005 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1982 Austin Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sorento will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 2005 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Austin | Kia |
| Model | Ambassador | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 2088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
