1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 215 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 Nissan Altima, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Altima. (219 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
