1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2006 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (130 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 171 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (461 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
