1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 301 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Microbus has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | AMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pacer | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2470 mm |
