1996 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 239 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 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 (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 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 | 1496 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
