1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 485 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
