J-Fire all I can tell you is they perform exactly the same (to 100 mph), except for length, nearly every demension is within 1 or 2" of the other, they weigh within 50lbs of each other, braking is the same, and over all manuverability is incredibly similar, as is handling and road holding capability (with the same sized tires). Basically the Crossfire is a better, much more refined, modern version of a car American Motors built 40 years ago, that's all. Of course it's only my opinion,
Nobody ever said it had a Mercedes chassis.
You didn't even know what the car was, so it's safe to assume you've never been a passenger in one, let alone actually got to drive one.
I've owned mine since it was brand new, so I think I may have enough experience with it to make the comparison to my Crossfire that I've owned for the last 4 years.
Another Forum member, AMX1397 has owned over 300 AMX's, and he tends to agree with me as well.
You are correct about one thing, it is indeed a very cool little car.