1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1977 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1978 AMC Pacer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Holden Statesman (214 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Holden Statesman weights approximately 186 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, 1977 Holden Statesman (400 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1977 Holden Statesman has manual transmission. 1977 Holden Statesman 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 | 1977 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | AMC | Holden |
| Model | Pacer | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 214 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2900 mm |
