1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 48 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 51 L |
