1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS 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 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 348 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 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | AMC | Jaguar |
| Model | Pacer | XJS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 90 L |
