2006 Opel Astra vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 333 kg more than 2001 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 Opel Astra (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 54 L |
