1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 1960 Holden FB Special
To start off, 1983 Austin Ambassador is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Holden FB Special. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Holden FB Special would be higher. At 2,261 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Holden FB Special is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1960 Holden FB Special. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1960 Holden FB Special. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 105 kg more than 1960 Holden FB Special. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Holden FB Special 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 1960 Holden FB Special. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1960 Holden FB Special (163 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1960 Holden FB Special will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 1960 Holden FB Special | |
| Make | Austin | Holden |
| Model | Ambassador | FB Special |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2670 mm |
