1997 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 19 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 89 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 155, 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 (222 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 155. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 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:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 155 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3802 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3050 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
