1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 57 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | Pacer | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
