1996 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 180 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 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Sunfire | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
