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Pontiac Sunfire Coupe 2.2i 16V Ecotec (141 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Pontiac Sunfire:
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier. The J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards for the 1996 model year.
The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts in its 11-year run: a small redesign in 2000 featuring the heavy plastic cladding look that was prevalent with Pontiac at the time, and a more streamlined update in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of production on June 22, 2005. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for the 2006 model year in Canada and the 2007 model year in the United States....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe Overview:
Pontiac Sunfire (Coupe). With 203 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Pontiac Sunfire was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. US safety ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) generally indicated acceptable to marginal performance for its era, typical for compact cars of the late 90s.
2.2i 16V Ecotec (141 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with an automatic transmission, the 2.2L Ecotec still delivers sufficient power for urban and highway driving, though acceleration might feel slightly less direct than the manual version.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is slightly higher than the manual Ecotec, at 8.7 l/100 km, but remains competitive for an automatic compact car of its generation.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase and maintenance costs
- • Sporty coupe styling for its era
- • Range of engines offering decent power options
- • Good fuel economy on certain trims (Ecotec)
- • Simple, straightforward mechanics
Cons:
- • Interior quality is basic and dated
- • Ride comfort can be firm
- • Limited rear passenger space in coupe
- • Some engines known for specific reliability issues (e.g., head gasket on early 2.2L, oil leaks on LD9)
- • Lack of advanced safety features by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: 1996 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Sunfire |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.2i 16V Ecotec (141 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | June, 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 141 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 64.1 Hp/l [2mm more] |
| Torque: | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L61 More details about the engine L61 |
| Engine displacement: | 2198 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.8 l |
| Coolant: | 8.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 94.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.1 kg/Hp, 110.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1280 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 351 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4622 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Width: | 1738 mm mm [28mm more] |
| Height: | 1351 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2644 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Front track: | 1462 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1442 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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