1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO

To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO is newer by 10 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 779 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 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 2006 Pontiac GTO. 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2006 Pontiac GTO
Make Pontiac Pontiac
Model Sunfire GTO
Year Released 1996 2006
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2201 cc 5969 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 114 HP 400 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 183 Nm 542 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1206 kg 1985 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4830 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 2800 mm