1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 BMW Z8
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 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 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 226 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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW Z8 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 | 1999 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 73 L |
