1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 691 kg more than 1984 Austin Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Ambassador. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1984 Austin Ambassador has manual transmission. 1984 Austin Ambassador will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ambassador | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
