1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1970 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chrysler Centura would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 253 kg more than 1970 Chrysler Centura.
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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chrysler Centura. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chrysler Centura. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1970 Chrysler Centura has manual transmission. 1970 Chrysler Centura 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 | 1970 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | AMC | Chrysler |
| Model | Pacer | Centura |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
