1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1993 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1993 Mercury Tracer is newer by 15 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, 1993 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 259 kg more than 1993 Mercury Tracer.
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, 1993 Mercury Tracer, 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1993 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Pacer | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
