1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 446 kg more than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Fiesta. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Fiesta. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 922 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 40 L |
