1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 528 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 409 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 SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 SLR McLaren | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 781 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 98 L |
