2005 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 8 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 5,326 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche (282 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 965 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.
Because 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Avalanche (440 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 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. 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Avalanche | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5326 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2165 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5640 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2650 mm |
