1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1972 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 279 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 411. 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1972 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pacer | 411 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
