1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1984 Ford GT
To start off, 1984 Ford GT 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 GT (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford GT should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 229 kg more than 1984 Ford GT.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford GT. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford GT. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford GT has manual transmission. 1984 Ford GT 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 GT | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | GT |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2590 mm |
