1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Austin Montego
To start off, 1986 Austin Montego is newer by 8 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1986 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 249 kg more than 1986 Austin Montego. 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, 1986 Austin Montego, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Austin Montego. (135 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Austin Montego. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1986 Austin Montego has manual transmission. 1986 Austin Montego 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 | 1986 Austin Montego | |
| Make | AMC | Austin |
| Model | Pacer | Montego |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| 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 | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
