1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Ascari A10
To start off, 2009 Ascari A10 is newer by 31 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ascari A10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ascari A10 (625 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 515 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ascari A10 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 88 kg more than 2009 Ascari A10.
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, 2009 Ascari A10 (560 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ascari A10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2009 Ascari A10 has manual transmission. 2009 Ascari A10 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 | 2009 Ascari A10 | |
| Make | AMC | Ascari |
| Model | Pacer | A10 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 625 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2636 mm |
