1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2009 Aston Martin DB9 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 5,933 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Aston Martin DB9 (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 392 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, 2009 Aston Martin DB9 (570 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Aston Martin DB9 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 Aston Martin DB9 has manual transmission. 2009 Aston Martin DB9 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 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | AMC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Pacer | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 78 L |
