2008 Cadillac CTS vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 11 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 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (304 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 590 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 2008 Cadillac CTS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (370 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2008 Cadillac CTS 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. 2008 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Cadillac CTS | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | CTS | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3598 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 304 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
