1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2011 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 138 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 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2011 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | AMC | Subaru |
| Model | Pacer | Forester |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 64 L |
