1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2002 Caterham Superlight R
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 24 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, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 869 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2002 Caterham Superlight R has manual transmission. 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 | 2002 Caterham Superlight R | |
| Make | AMC | Caterham |
| Model | Pacer | Superlight R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5750 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 | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2230 mm |
