1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 188 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
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 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV 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 Panoz AIV has manual transmission. 1999 Panoz AIV 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 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | AMC | Panoz |
| Model | Pacer | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 59 L |
