1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 4 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, both vehicles can yield 90 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 367 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona.
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, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | AMC | Opel |
| Model | Pacer | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
