1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1990 Honda Civic
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 342 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic.
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 Honda Civic, 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Civic 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 | 1990 Honda Civic | |
Make | AMC | Honda |
Model | Pacer | Civic |
Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 77.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1026 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |