1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1981 Zastava 102
To start off, 1981 Zastava 102 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Zastava 102. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1981 Zastava 102. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 609 kg more than 1981 Zastava 102. 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 Zastava 102, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Zastava 102. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Zastava 102. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1981 Zastava 102 has manual transmission. 1981 Zastava 102 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 | 1981 Zastava 102 | |
| Make | AMC | Zastava |
| Model | Pacer | 102 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2160 mm |
