1981 Pontiac 1000 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac 1000 (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac 1000 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Pontiac 1000 (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac 1000 | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
