1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1955 Buick 40
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,277 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Buick 40 (234 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Buick 40 weights approximately 366 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, 1955 Buick 40 (447 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1955 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1955 Buick 40 | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Pacer | 40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5277 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 234 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1725 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3110 mm |
