1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1963 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 89 kg more than 1963 Ford Zodiac.
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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Zodiac. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Zodiac 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 | 1963 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 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 | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
