1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 14 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, 2011 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 10 kg more than 2011 Ford Focus.
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, 2011 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Sunfire | Focus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2614 mm |
