1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 1999 Saab 03-Sep 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Saab 03-Sep (129 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 49 kg more than 1999 Saab 03-Sep.
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 Saab 03-Sep, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Saab 03-Sep. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Saab 03-Sep. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1999 Saab 03-Sep has manual transmission. 1999 Saab 03-Sep 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 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | AMC | Saab |
| Model | Pacer | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 68 L |
