The engine produced 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) but just 186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft) of torque, at a peaky 4,000 rpm, meaning the Roadpacer performed rather poorly as it weighed 1,575 kg (3,472 lb).

[3] The Roadpacer was introduced to compete with large Japanese flagship sedans Toyota Century, Nissan President, Isuzu Statesman de Ville, and the Mitsubishi Debonair.

[3] The three-speed automatic transmission with a steering column shift lever was sourced from Jatco and was shared with the LA series Mazda Luce.

Originally intended as transport for high-ranking government officials, the car was sold in the wake of the first fuel crisis and was not a commercial success.

Most were originally sold to government departments and were later crushed, meaning Roadpacers are rare nowadays;[citation needed] their counterpart model, the Holden Premier is a popular collectors' car in Australia.