2003 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2003 Honda Accord is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Accord (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 176 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 Honda Accord (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Accord | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Accord | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2650 mm |
