1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (166 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo weights approximately 267 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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 | 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Pacer | Monte Carlo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2960 mm |
