1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 Mercedes-Benz 420 (231 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 257 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 Mercedes-Benz 420 (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | 420 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3080 mm |
