1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 194 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 2012 Subaru Legacy 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | AMC | Subaru |
| Model | Pacer | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| 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 |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
