2000 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 584 kg more than 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2000 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2000 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Pontiac Sunfire | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Sunfire | 520 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2968 mm |
