1978 AMC Pacer vs. 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 AMC Pacer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 219 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 AMC Pacer | 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | AMC | Suzuki |
| Model | Pacer | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3050 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 66 L |
