1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Kia Rio
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio 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 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 201 kg more than 2009 Kia Rio.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2009 Kia Rio | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Pacer | Rio |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
