1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 132 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 503 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 75 L |
