1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1996 ZAZ Wagon
To start off, 1996 ZAZ Wagon 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 ZAZ Wagon. (51 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1996 ZAZ Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 623 kg more than 1996 ZAZ Wagon. 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 ZAZ Wagon, 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 ZAZ Wagon. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 ZAZ Wagon. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1996 ZAZ Wagon has manual transmission. 1996 ZAZ Wagon 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 ZAZ Wagon | |
| Make | AMC | ZAZ |
| Model | Pacer | Wagon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1091 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2330 mm |
