1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 318 kg more than 1981 Renault 18. 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, 1981 Renault 18, 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | AMC | Renault |
| Model | Pacer | 18 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
