2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1972 AMC Ambassador
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 37 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 AMC Ambassador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 182 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 1972 AMC Ambassador | |
| Make | Alpina | AMC |
| Model | B3 | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 6571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 105.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3110 mm |
