1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2011 Alpina B3
To start off, 2011 Alpina B3 is newer by 33 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, 2011 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B3 weights approximately 192 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 2011 Alpina B3 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, 2011 Alpina B3 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, 2011 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2011 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | AMC | Alpina |
| Model | Pacer | B3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| 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 | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
