1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 3 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 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:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 164 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
