1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1991 Buick Roadmaster
To start off, 1991 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 13 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 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Roadmaster (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 632 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 Buick Roadmaster (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1991 Buick Roadmaster | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Pacer | Roadmaster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
