1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1984 Pontiac Phoenix
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 268 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Pontiac Phoenix, 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. (181 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1984 Pontiac Phoenix | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Pacer | Phoenix |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
