2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 AMC Pacer weights approximately 88 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 AMC Pacer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 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:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 156 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 83 L |
