1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 15 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 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 890 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.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 1996 Chevrolet Impala 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. 1996 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Impala | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
