1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 246 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | AMC | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Pacer | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2960 mm |
