1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2006 BMW Z4
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 28 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 24 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4.
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, 2006 BMW Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 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 | 2006 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
