1997 AC Cobra vs. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 174 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
Because 1997 AC Cobra 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 1997 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1998 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2650 mm |
