1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, both 1978 AMC Pacer and 1978 BMW 520 were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 302 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 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 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
