1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 8 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
