2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1982 Austin Ambassador
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (91 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 525 kg more than 1982 Austin Ambassador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (155 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 1982 Austin Ambassador | |
| Make | Buick | Austin |
| Model | LaCrosse | Ambassador |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2680 mm |
