1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 208 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, 2010 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | AMC | Lexus |
| Model | Pacer | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 65 L |
