1978 American Motors Pacer DL 304 Auto
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1976 AMC Pacer DL in Sand Tan over Red, front left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: AMC Pacer 1975-1978 by Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: AMC Pacer coupe two-tone in Florida by CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used ..., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1977 AMC Pacer DL Wagon in Firecracker Red, rear left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1976 AMC Pacer in Autumn Red metallic with bucket seats at 2021 AMO meet 2of7 by CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wiki..., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1978 American Motors Pacer DL 304 Auto is a 130-hp 5.0-liter V8 with a 3-speed torque-command automatic, floor shift and rear-wheel drive. It is rated at 16 mpg combined.
It makes 130 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (16 mpg combined).
The Pacer measures 171.8 inches long on a 100.0-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 5.0L OHV V8 (304) |
| Displacement | 5 L |
| Horsepower | 130 hp |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Bore and Stroke | 95.3 x 87.4 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 |
| Injection Type | 2-barrel carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 3-speed Torque-Command automatic, floor shift (A998) |
| 1st Gear | 2.45 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.45 |
| 3rd Gear | 1 |
| Reverse | 2.2 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 14 MPG |
| Highway | 19 MPG |
| Combined | 16 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Unleaded gasoline |
| Tank Capacity | 20 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Isolated crossmember, coil springs, unequal-length wishbones, rack-and-pinion steering |
| Rear Suspension | Isolated live axle, leaf springs |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14 in |
| Wheels Rear | 14 in |
| Tires Front | D78 x 14 WSW |
| Tires Rear | D78 x 14 WSW |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 171.8 in |
| Width | 77.3 in |
| Height | 52.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 100 in |
| Front Track | 61.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 29.6 ft³ |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1978 American Motors Pacer DL 304 Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1978 American Motors PACER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
May 30, 1979 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A METALLURGICALLY DEFICIENT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES.
NHTSA campaign 79V131000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1978 AMERICAN MOTORS PACER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.