1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 281 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt.
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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Pacer | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 49 L |
