1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 381 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Sunfire | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
