1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 419 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 Cadillac CTS (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | AMC | Cadillac |
| Model | Pacer | CTS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4877 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 68 L |
