1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 210 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II has manual transmission. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II 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 | 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | |
| Make | AMC | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Pacer | 3000 Mk II |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 27 L |
