1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 3 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 41 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
