1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1997 Ford F-250
To start off, 1997 Ford F-250 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 6,800 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford F-250 (306 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-250 weights approximately 1012 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 1997 Ford F-250 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford F-250 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Ford F-250 (575 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1997 Ford F-250 | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | F-250 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 6800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3490 mm |
