1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 6 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (370 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 461 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, 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (510 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage has manual transmission. 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 | 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | AMC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Pacer | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 100.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 113 L |
