1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1986 Ford Meteor 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 19 more horse power than 1986 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Meteor.
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 Ford Meteor, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1986 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
