1990 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Because 1990 BMW 520 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 1990 BMW 520. 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 (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
