1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2005 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 138 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, 2005 Ford Mustang (326 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2005 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
