1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2009 Mazda BT-50 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Mazda BT-50. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda BT-50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 413 kg more than 2009 Mazda BT-50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda BT-50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda BT-50 will offer significantly more control. 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda BT-50. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda BT-50. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda BT-50 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda BT-50 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 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Pacer | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 50 L |
