That cord in front of your 1996 Pontiac Sunfire engine is likely the
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) cable. It's a crucial component that sends the vehicle's speed information to various systems, including the speedometer, transmission, and possibly the cruise control. It's a mechanical cable, unlike many modern vehicles that use electronic sensors.
However, without a picture or more precise location, it's impossible to be 100% certain. There might be other less common cables in that area.
