1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 Spider (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (90 HP @ 3050 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 9 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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 Spider, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 Spider | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
Model | Spider | Pacer |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3802 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 144 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3050 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1359 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2550 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |