1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2008 Kia Carens
To start off, 2008 Kia Carens 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 Kia Carens (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carens should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer.
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 Kia Carens, 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carens. (162 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carens.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2008 Kia Carens | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Pacer | Carens |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
