1979 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 331 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Escort | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Escort | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 2201 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1206 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |