Originally Posted By: addyguy
Almost all Sunbird OHC engines (GM of Brazil engine) suffered from head-gasket failure. Like the IM gaskets on 3.4's, failure rate is almost 100%.
Beyond the HG issue, the engine is pretty tough and trouble-free.
Even though they are 'rated' the same, the Sunbird is a much smaller, lighter car, and will get better mileage. The 2.0 OHC engine is much peppier and quicker in that car, too.
The 2.5-power Celebrity is a larger, more roomy and comfortable car, but is much slower and 'softer' than the Sunbird. It will be much quieter and less buzzy than the Sunbird. As mechanix said, this was a good year for the 2.5 - lots of upgrades. A very, very solid engine.
If fuel economy on a short commute is the ONLY concern for this decision, I'd go for the Sunbird. It will cost less to fill, as the tank is smaller. If you plan on doing any longer trips at all, or hauling the odd load of stuff, or driving people around, the Celebrity will be a much more comfortable car to do this.
+1, I suffered through my ex-wife's Sunbird and TWO HG failures in the 75K miles she owned it.
It was an iron block, aluminum head engine that wasn't well designed from the perspective of dissimilar metals and different expansion and contraction rates.
The 2.5L, while not much different from a tractor engine, is nearly bulletproof. Of course, the 22 year old car that comes with it may be its own source of headaches.
But you are shopping in the $500 car market. Pick the one you like, either is disposable if it becomes too much trouble.
Can you buy both and keep one as the backup to the other?
Almost all Sunbird OHC engines (GM of Brazil engine) suffered from head-gasket failure. Like the IM gaskets on 3.4's, failure rate is almost 100%.
Beyond the HG issue, the engine is pretty tough and trouble-free.
Even though they are 'rated' the same, the Sunbird is a much smaller, lighter car, and will get better mileage. The 2.0 OHC engine is much peppier and quicker in that car, too.
The 2.5-power Celebrity is a larger, more roomy and comfortable car, but is much slower and 'softer' than the Sunbird. It will be much quieter and less buzzy than the Sunbird. As mechanix said, this was a good year for the 2.5 - lots of upgrades. A very, very solid engine.
If fuel economy on a short commute is the ONLY concern for this decision, I'd go for the Sunbird. It will cost less to fill, as the tank is smaller. If you plan on doing any longer trips at all, or hauling the odd load of stuff, or driving people around, the Celebrity will be a much more comfortable car to do this.
+1, I suffered through my ex-wife's Sunbird and TWO HG failures in the 75K miles she owned it.
It was an iron block, aluminum head engine that wasn't well designed from the perspective of dissimilar metals and different expansion and contraction rates.
The 2.5L, while not much different from a tractor engine, is nearly bulletproof. Of course, the 22 year old car that comes with it may be its own source of headaches.
But you are shopping in the $500 car market. Pick the one you like, either is disposable if it becomes too much trouble.
Can you buy both and keep one as the backup to the other?
