1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 11 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 99 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ has manual transmission. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ 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:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | SZ | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3802 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3050 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 83 L |
