1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 872 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.
Because 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder has manual transmission. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
