1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2010 Ford Focus
To start off, 2010 Ford Focus is newer by 32 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, 2010 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 178 kg more than 2010 Ford Focus.
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, 2010 Ford Focus, 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 (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Ford Focus. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2010 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2010 Ford Focus 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 | 2010 Ford Focus | |
| Make | AMC | Ford |
| Model | Pacer | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2614 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 51 L |
