1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1972 AMC Matador
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 Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 208 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 Matador (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador 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 Matador | |
| Make | AMC | AMC |
| Model | Pacer | Matador |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 74 L |
