1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1972 AMC Ambassador
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Ambassador would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 287 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Ambassador 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 1972 AMC Ambassador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1972 AMC Ambassador | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 164 | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 105.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3110 mm |
