1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 22 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 819 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 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 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | AMC | Caterham |
| Model | Pacer | 21 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 100 L |
