1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1960 Ford Popular
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Popular would be higher. At 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1960 Ford Popular. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 629 kg more than 1960 Ford Popular. 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. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1960 Ford Popular has manual transmission. 1960 Ford Popular 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:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1960 Ford Popular | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Popular |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
