2003 Opel Astra vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 144 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (149 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
