1961 AC Ace vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Ace would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1961 AC Ace. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 555 kg more than 1961 AC Ace. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Ace. (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Ace. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Ace has manual transmission. 1961 AC Ace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 AMC Pacer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Ace | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | AC | AMC |
| Model | Ace | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 813 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 83 L |
