1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 350 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Nova 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 1974 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
