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Pontiac Sunfire Coupe 2.4 i 16V (152 Hp)
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 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1230 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 175 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.
2.4 i 16V (152 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.4L 'Twin Cam' LD9 engine offers the best performance in the Sunfire lineup, providing decent acceleration for its class, especially with the manual transmission (though the data shows automatic). It feels responsive for daily driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is moderate for a compact coupe of its time, with urban consumption around 10.7 l/100 km. It's not class-leading but acceptable for the power output.
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(Cabrio: 1995 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Sunfire |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.4 i 16V (152 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 152 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 210 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LD9 More details about the engine LD9 |
| Engine displacement: | 2392 |
| 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: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 10.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 94 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1230 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 57 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4620 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1710 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1350 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2645 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1435 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 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Pontiac Sunfire!