1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1979 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1984 Austin Ambassador is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 221 kg more than 1979 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1979 Lancia Stratos 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 1979 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1979 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1979 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Ambassador | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2190 mm |
