1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 153 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
