1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 883 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. 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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Fiat |
| Model | Pacer | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| 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 | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 38 L |
