1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1972 AMC Javelin
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Javelin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Javelin would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Javelin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Javelin (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Javelin should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Javelin weights approximately 99 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. 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, 1972 AMC Javelin (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Javelin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1972 AMC Javelin | |
| Make | AMC | AMC |
| Model | Pacer | Javelin |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 103.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1467 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
