1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2001 Ford Econovan
To start off, 2001 Ford Econovan is newer by 23 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, 2001 Ford Econovan (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Econovan should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Econovan weights approximately 86 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Econovan. (155 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Econovan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2001 Ford Econovan | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Econovan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2210 mm |
