1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 Viano (141 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 678 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 Viano (344 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 Viano | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | Viano |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
