1994 Nissan Maxima vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Nissan Maxima (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 114 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. 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, 1994 Nissan Maxima (253 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1994 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Nissan Maxima | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxima | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 253 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2650 mm |
