1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 252 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 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
