1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 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 26 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (64 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 139 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (130 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1976 Chrysler 1609 has manual transmission. 1976 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | AMC | Chrysler |
| Model | Pacer | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2007 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
