1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1986 Pontiac Fiero
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero (140 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Fiero should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 147 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Fiero.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Fiero. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Fiero has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Pacer | Fiero |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2380 mm |
