1996 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 99 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. 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, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm). This means 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
