1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 254 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1978 AMC Pacer | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
Model | Pacer | Golf |
Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2512 mm |