1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (126 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 13 kg more than 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (178 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | AMC | Suzuki |
| Model | Pacer | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
