1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 9 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 446 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, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante (447 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante has manual transmission. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 | 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | AMC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Pacer | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 97 L |
