1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 500 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 159 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen W12 has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pacer | W12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
