1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 12 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, 1978 AMC Pacer (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 AMC Pacer should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 398 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33, 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 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 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:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 33 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2550 mm |
