1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2002 Mazda Spiano
To start off, 2002 Mazda Spiano 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2002 Mazda Spiano. (52 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda Spiano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 588 kg more than 2002 Mazda Spiano. 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, 2002 Mazda Spiano, 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda Spiano. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda Spiano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2002 Mazda Spiano | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Pacer | Spiano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 60.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2370 mm |
