1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2005 Ford Escape
To start off, 2005 Ford Escape is newer by 27 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, 2005 Ford Escape (124 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Escape weights approximately 102 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 2005 Ford Escape 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, 2005 Ford Escape 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Escape. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Escape has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Escape 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 | 2005 Ford Escape | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Escape |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 59 L |
