1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 BMW 525
To start off, 2003 BMW 525 is newer by 25 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, 2003 BMW 525 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 206 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, 2003 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 525 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 | 2003 BMW 525 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
