1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 681 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 578 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
