1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2005 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 Saturn L is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn L weights approximately 120 kg more than 1997 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, 2005 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2005 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 2005 Saturn L | |
| Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
| Model | Sunfire | L |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
