1998 Ford Focus vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 92 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus. 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 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1169 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
