1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 19 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.
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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 54 L |
