1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 91 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |
