1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 BMW 323
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 21 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, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 89 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 1999 BMW 323 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 63 L |
