1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 39 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | 300 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 100 L |
