1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 494 kg more than 1981 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Spirit | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
