1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 438 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1988 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | AMC | Suzuki |
| Model | Pacer | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
