1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 30 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, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 391 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
