1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2003 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2003 Subaru Forester is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Forester (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Forester weights approximately 179 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 2003 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2003 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Sunfire | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
