1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (264 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 550 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 2008 Kia Sorento 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, 2008 Kia Sorento 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (360 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Pacer | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1918 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
