2000 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Mustang weights approximately 281 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 2000 Ford Mustang 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 2000 Ford Mustang. 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, 2000 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Mustang | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 54 L |
