1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1996 Buick Roadmaster
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 482 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Buick Roadmaster | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Pacer | Roadmaster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2950 mm |
