1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 AMC Pacer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 AMC Pacer would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 352 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.
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, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1979 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | AMC | Cadillac |
| Model | Pacer | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2900 mm |
