1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 234 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 124 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2650 mm |
