1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2011 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2011 Ford Ranger is newer by 15 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 2011 Ford Ranger 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 2011 Ford Ranger. 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, 2011 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2011 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Sunfire | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5171 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3193 mm |
