1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Tercel 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 44 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 426 kg more than 1982 Toyota Tercel. 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel. 1982 Toyota Tercel 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. 1982 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Sunfire | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| 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 | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
