1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1988 BMW 535
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 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 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 162 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 535 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 | 1988 BMW 535 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 535 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 52 L |
