1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1987 Mazda 929 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 929 (163 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 121 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 Mazda 929 (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929 has manual transmission. 1987 Mazda 929 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 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Pacer | 929 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
