2004 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 7 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, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 187 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
