1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 433 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
