1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2005 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2005 Renault Laguna 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 Renault Laguna (161 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Laguna weights approximately 62 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 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, 2005 Renault Laguna, 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, 2005 Renault Laguna (270 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Laguna has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Laguna 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 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | AMC | Renault |
| Model | Pacer | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
