1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 234 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 AMC Pacer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 AMC Pacer | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | AMC | Mazda |
Model | Pacer | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 48 L |