2009 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2009 Honda Ridgeline is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,470 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 573 kg more than 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2009 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. 2009 Honda Ridgeline has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Ridgeline | 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Ridgeline | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3470 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
