1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Seat Altea (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 39 kg more than 2004 Seat Altea.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Seat Altea. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Seat Altea. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2004 Seat Altea has manual transmission. 2004 Seat Altea will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 AMC Pacer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | AMC | Seat |
| Model | Pacer | Altea |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
