1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2007 Honda NSX
To start off, 2007 Honda NSX is newer by 29 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, 2007 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda NSX weights approximately 141 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, 2007 Honda NSX (298 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 2007 Honda NSX 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 | 2007 Honda NSX | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Pacer | NSX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78 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 | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
