1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Chevrolet Lumina
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina 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 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 181 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 Chevrolet Lumina (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Lumina 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 Chevrolet Lumina has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Lumina 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 Chevrolet Lumina | |
| Make | AMC | Chevrolet |
| Model | Pacer | Lumina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 5967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 75 L |
