1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 30 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 755 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 2013 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Austin Ambassador. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Ambassador. 2013 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1983 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1983 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Ambassador | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2790 mm |
