1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 136 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 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 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 525 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
