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, 2009 Mazda BT-50 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda BT-50 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda BT-50 weights approximately 498 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.
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, 2009 Mazda BT-50 (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda BT-50 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 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 | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1866 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
