1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1978 Austin Maxi
To start off, both 1978 AMC Pacer and 1978 Austin Maxi were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 21 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 379 kg more than 1978 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Austin Maxi, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Maxi 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 | 1978 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Pacer | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
