1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 644 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. 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, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Panda. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Panda. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | AMC | Fiat |
| Model | Pacer | Panda |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 57 L |
