1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 245 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sunfire | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
