1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 16 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 159 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Pontiac | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sunfire | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2685 mm |
