1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1980 Buick Estate
To start off, 1980 Buick Estate is newer by 2 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 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Estate (140 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 511 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, 1980 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1980 Buick Estate | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Pacer | Estate |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4931 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
