1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 2,774 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 486 kg more than 1983 Austin Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Austin Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (410 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Austin | Dodge |
| Model | Ambassador | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2774 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 280 mm |
