1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Citroen CX
To start off, 1986 Citroen CX 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen CX (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen CX weights approximately 72 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. 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 Citroen CX, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen CX. (178 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen CX. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1986 Citroen CX has manual transmission. 1986 Citroen CX 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 Citroen CX | |
Make | AMC | Citroen |
Model | Pacer | CX |
Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2165 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 178 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85.5 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1440 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4930 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3100 mm |