1980 Ford Capri vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 204 kg more than 1980 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Capri | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2650 mm |
