1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (73 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 384 kg more than 1988 Opel Vectra. 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 Opel Vectra, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Vectra. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Vectra. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1988 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 1988 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | AMC | Opel |
| Model | Pacer | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 75 L |
