1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2010 Jeep Patriot
To start off, 2010 Jeep Patriot 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Jeep Patriot (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Jeep Patriot should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Jeep Patriot weights approximately 78 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, 2010 Jeep Patriot, 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, 2010 Jeep Patriot (223 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Jeep Patriot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2010 Jeep Patriot has manual transmission. 2010 Jeep Patriot 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 Jeep Patriot | |
| Make | AMC | Jeep |
| Model | Pacer | Patriot |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1437 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1669 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 51 L |
