I prefer an Amby, since my childhood involved every trips in it. It was a 1988 Mark 4, which had a large steering wheel with horn in a ring shape with a 'H' logo at center. It had a Matador engine (Diesel), in which we used to fill water in radiator frequently during travelling at regular intervals. Matador engines used to be heavy as it was a truck engine and also it was the first Diesel engine fitted in an Amby many decades before. Eventhough we said its a Diesel car, there was many niggling issues constantly present in it.
Front tyres will wear out so quick, since the weight of the engine was awkward to its body. Alignment is a must after every long trip. Clutch will be worn out soon, as it is the fate of Ambassador with Matador engine. But the car's instrument clusters is really helpful in knowing the car's condition. It was located at the center. Temperature gauge will cross more than 80 degrees, once when water in radiator decreases. As coolant was not available during those days, we always use to have water bottles as it requires water top up frequently during journey. It was having a bench type seat which can accomodate 3 persons including driver easily, since it was having a steering gear. Also a Matador powered Amby cant be started like today's cars. There will a seperate push button for Heater. Turning the ignition and pressing the Heater button must be done simultaneously. There was Alarm which will continuosly make Beep sound until Heater plugs reaches its operating temperature. Once the Beep sound vanishes, the engine is ready to start.
Like present day's Diesel vehicles, we cant use it occassionally, because it was having a Dynamo (like today's Alternator) for charging the Battery. As Dynamo cant hold the charge like Alternator, it wont start if we keep the engine idle for a couple of days. So daily running was a must. Inspite of these issues, the car served us for 22 years without any major breakdown. I dont like Fiat, as it was not comfortable and spacious like Amby.
Please share your own views regarding these cars and which would you prefer.