1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 408 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 571 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | AMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Pacer | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
