1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 442 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 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 88 L |
