1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2009 Aston Martin DBS 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 DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Aston Martin DBS (503 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer.
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 DBS (420 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Aston Martin DBS 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 DBS has manual transmission. 2009 Aston Martin DBS 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 DBS | |
| Make | AMC | Aston Martin |
| Model | Pacer | DBS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1910 mm |
