1987 Alpine V6 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1987 Alpine V6 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 Alpine V6 (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alpine V6 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 188 kg more than 1987 Alpine V6.
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, 1987 Alpine V6 (296 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Alpine V6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1987 Alpine V6 has manual transmission. 1987 Alpine V6 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 Alpine V6 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alpine | AMC |
| Model | V6 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2550 mm |
