1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 34 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, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 291 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.
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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 135 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 135 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 | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Pacer | 135 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 53 L |
