1981 Pontiac 1000 vs. 1997 Rover 800
To start off, 1997 Rover 800 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Rover 800 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac 1000 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 Pontiac 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800, 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 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 1997 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac 1000 has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac 1000 | 1997 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Rover |
| Model | 1000 | 800 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2780 mm |
