1987 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 260 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. 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, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm). This means 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1987 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Nissan 300 ZX | 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 ZX | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
