1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2002 Maserati Spyder
To start off, 2002 Maserati Spyder 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 4,253 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Maserati Spyder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Maserati Spyder (390 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Maserati Spyder should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Maserati Spyder weights approximately 312 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, 2002 Maserati Spyder (451 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Maserati Spyder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2002 Maserati Spyder has manual transmission. 2002 Maserati Spyder 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 Maserati Spyder | |
| Make | AMC | Maserati |
| Model | Pacer | Spyder |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4253 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 79.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 90 L |
