2006 Ford Freestar vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 9 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 3,898 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (193 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 515 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2006 Ford Freestar 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. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Freestar | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3898 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2650 mm |
