1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2010 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2010 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 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, 2010 Lotus Exige (425 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Exige weights approximately 791 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.
Because 2010 Lotus Exige 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 2010 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2010 Lotus Exige (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2010 Lotus Exige 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. 2010 Lotus Exige will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 2010 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Pontiac | Lotus |
| Model | Sunfire | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 425 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1438 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3063 mm |
