1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1980 Nissan Bluebird
To start off, 1980 Nissan Bluebird 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Bluebird (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Bluebird should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 98 kg more than 1980 Nissan Bluebird.
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 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Bluebird. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Bluebird. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1980 Nissan Bluebird has manual transmission. 1980 Nissan Bluebird 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 | 1980 Nissan Bluebird | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Bluebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2530 mm |
