1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Verada
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada 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 Mitsubishi Verada (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Verada weights approximately 142 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.
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, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada (301 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Verada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1996 Mitsubishi Verada | |
| Make | AMC | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pacer | Verada |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
