1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1975 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Datsun 280Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Datsun 280Z would be higher. At 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 159 kg more than 1975 Datsun 280Z.
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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Datsun 280Z. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Datsun 280Z. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1975 Datsun 280Z has manual transmission. 1975 Datsun 280Z 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 | 1975 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | AMC | Datsun |
| Model | Pacer | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2304 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
