2002 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1980 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 315 kg more than 1980 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Toyota Corolla is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | 1980 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Sunfire | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
