1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1990 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1990 Buick Skylark is newer by 12 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, 1990 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 169 kg more than 1990 Buick Skylark.
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, 1990 Buick Skylark, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1990 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Pacer | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 62 L |
