1995 BMW S3 vs. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 BMW S3 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 1995 BMW S3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
