1999 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 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, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
