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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano (187 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 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 726 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
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 | 3802 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 2085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 75 L |
