1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 252 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
