1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2004 Lexus LS
To start off, 2004 Lexus LS is newer by 26 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 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lexus LS (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lexus LS weights approximately 453 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, 2004 Lexus LS (434 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2004 Lexus LS | |
| Make | AMC | Lexus |
| Model | Pacer | LS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 84 L |
