1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 15 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, 2012 Opel Astra (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Astra weights approximately 425 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, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Sunfire | Astra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
