1977 AMC Matador vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 AMC Matador (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 502 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. 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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | AMC | AMC |
| Model | Matador | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3802 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3050 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 83 L |
