2007 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 AMC Pacer
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 29 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 AMC Pacer. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 AMC Pacer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 247 kg more than 1978 AMC Pacer. 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 AMC Pacer. (265 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 AMC Pacer. 1978 AMC Pacer has automatic transmission and 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 has manual transmission. 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 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:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 AMC Pacer | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | AMC |
| Model | 166 | Pacer |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 4228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 83 L |
