1980 Ford Escort vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,475 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 644 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
