2003 Pontiac GTO vs. 1980 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 730 kg more than 1980 Pontiac 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2003 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac 1000. 2003 Pontiac GTO has automatic transmission and 1980 Pontiac 1000 has manual transmission. 1980 Pontiac 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac GTO will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac GTO | 1980 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2400 mm |
