AC compressor on '94 and '02

I recently had an 02 Eldorado get into a wreck. In the wreck the AC compressor was damaged. Now, I'm told that it should still be drivable. However, several years ago I had a '94 eldorado that had something go wrong with the AC, I *think* it was the compressor, that prevented the car from being able to work at all. Unfortunately, I'm unable to remember exactly why it prevented the car from being drivable. Does anyone know of any reason a broken compressor would cause problems outside of not getting AC? And does the '02 ETC run into the same problem?
Thank you.

I have a 2001 ETC and the AC Compressor seized on me and prevented it from starting. For some reason I was convinced it was just the starter. Removed Intake to install new starter and after reassembly is when I discovered it was the AC Compressor stopping it from starting ... Doh! It was probably due for a starter anyway (that's what I tell myself .. lol) ... I realize this is an old post but it may help someone anyway ..