1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1989 TVR 400
To start off, 1989 TVR 400 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR 400 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR 400 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 209 kg more than 1989 TVR 400.
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, 1989 TVR 400 (366 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 TVR 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1989 TVR 400 has manual transmission. 1989 TVR 400 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 TVR 400 | |
Make | AMC | TVR |
Model | Pacer | 400 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3802 cc | 3996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 275 HP |
Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1150 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2420 mm |