1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 72 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. 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 (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2398 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 203 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
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 | 1185 kg | 1257 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |