1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1992 Volvo 850
To start off, 1992 Volvo 850 is newer by 14 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, 1992 Volvo 850 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 38 kg more than 1992 Volvo 850.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volvo 850. (221 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volvo 850. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1992 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1992 Volvo 850 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 | 1992 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Pacer | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 73 L |
