1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP) has 51 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 240 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (92 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour. 2006 Smart ForFour 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. 2006 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Pontiac | Smart |
| Model | Sunfire | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
