1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1984 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer.
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 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1984 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Pacer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
