1978 AMC Pacer vs. 1999 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 1999 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 68 kg more than 1999 Toyota RAV4.
Because 1999 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota RAV4. (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota RAV4. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1999 Toyota RAV4 has manual transmission. 1999 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | AMC | Toyota |
| Model | Pacer | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
