For sound no doubt the V8 has the edge, what a shame it was so hard to find in an AMC small car by this time (1976-80). I got some perf figures, Cadillac Seville with injected Olds 350 V8 automatic 0-60 mph 13.3 seconds (Road & Track Oct. 1975). Pacer X 258 2V automatic 0-60 mph 13.4 seconds (Car and Driver May 1976). Not bad, but a V8 always sounds better. Mind you, comparing stock 304 and 258 there is the weight distribution issue, which was mentioned above.
![](http://www.shorey.net/Auto/American/AMC/1976%20AMC%20Pacer%20DL%20Sport%20Coupe%20r3q.jpg)