1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1984 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Fiesta (96 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 509 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| 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 | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2300 mm |
