1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1990 Renault 21
To start off, 1990 Renault 21 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 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 23 kg more than 1990 Renault 21.
Because 1990 Renault 21 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, 1990 Renault 21 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, 1990 Renault 21 (271 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1990 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1990 Renault 21 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 Renault 21 | |
| Make | AMC | Renault |
| Model | Pacer | 21 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 62 L |
