1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1974 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,299 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 167 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer.
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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (272 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1974 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Pacer | Nova |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2830 mm |
