1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2009 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Sentra 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 Nissan Sentra (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 83 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 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 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2009 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2009 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
