1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 18 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, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 177 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 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 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
Make | AMC | BMW |
Model | Pacer | 523 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2494 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 265 Nm | 245 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75 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 | 1545 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |