1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 784 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.
Because 1973 Pontiac Bonneville 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 1973 Pontiac Bonneville. 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, 1973 Pontiac Bonneville (484 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 1973 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Sunfire | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3210 mm |
