1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 8 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 462 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, 2004 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2004 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
