1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 74 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 2010 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2010 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | AMC | Nissan |
| Model | Pacer | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
