1979 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 241 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 131 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2860 mm |
