1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 52 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.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | AMC | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Pacer | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
