2005 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 510 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
