1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2013 Honda CR-Z
To start off, 2013 Honda CR-Z is newer by 35 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 4,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda CR-Z (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda CR-Z should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 172 kg more than 2013 Honda CR-Z.
Because 1978 AMC Pacer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 AMC Pacer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Honda CR-Z, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Honda CR-Z. (174 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Honda CR-Z. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2013 Honda CR-Z has manual transmission. 2013 Honda CR-Z 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 | 2013 Honda CR-Z | |
| Make | AMC | Honda |
| Model | Pacer | CR-Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.4 : 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1196 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4079 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2435 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 40 L |
