1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 19 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 189 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. 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, 1997 Ford Escort, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Escort 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 | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
