1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2013 Scion xD
To start off, 2013 Scion xD 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 Scion xD (126 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Scion xD should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 178 kg more than 2013 Scion xD.
Because 2013 Scion xD is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 AMC Pacer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Scion xD 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Scion xD. (169 Nm @ 4440 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Scion xD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2013 Scion xD | |
| Make | AMC | Scion |
| Model | Pacer | xD |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4228 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4440 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1725 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2460 mm |
