1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2006 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (86 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1503 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| 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 | 2862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
