1980 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 39 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. 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, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Commodore. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1980 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1890 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
