1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat 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) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 266 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
