1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 440 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Mirada | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
