1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2001 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Sonata 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 132 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.
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, 2001 Hyundai Sonata, 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Sonata. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2001 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | AMC | Hyundai |
| Model | Pacer | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 65 L |
