1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2011 Kia Rondo
To start off, 2011 Kia Rondo 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Rondo (198 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rondo should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 74 kg more than 2011 Kia Rondo.
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, 2011 Kia Rondo, 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, 2011 Kia Rondo (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Rondo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2011 Kia Rondo | |
| Make | AMC | Kia |
| Model | Pacer | Rondo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 60 L |
