1989 Nissan Vanette vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Vanette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Vanette would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 228 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1989 Nissan Vanette 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 1989 Nissan Vanette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Vanette | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Vanette | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2080 mm | 2650 mm |
