1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1989 Renault 4
To start off, 1989 Renault 4 is newer by 11 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 56 more horse power than 1989 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 664 kg more than 1989 Renault 4. 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, 1989 Renault 4, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 4. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1989 Renault 4 has manual transmission. 1989 Renault 4 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 | 1989 Renault 4 | |
| Make | AMC | Renault |
| Model | Pacer | 4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
