2000 Acura RL vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2000 Acura RL is newer by 3 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Acura RL weights approximately 475 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, 2000 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2000 Acura RL 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. 2000 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Acura RL | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RL | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2650 mm |
