1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2003 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 2003 Nissan Terrano II 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 Nissan Terrano II (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Terrano II should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 258 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.
Because 2003 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Terrano II will offer significantly more control. 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Terrano II. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Terrano II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2003 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2660 mm |
