2001 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo

To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 394 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 2005 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2005 Smart ForTwo 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:

2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2005 Smart ForTwo
Make Pontiac Smart
Model Sunfire ForTwo
Year Released 2001 2005
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Rear
Engine Size 2198 cc 797 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 3 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 140 HP 40 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 4200 RPM
Torque 210 Nm 100 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 65.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 94.6 mm 79 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 18.5:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1199 kg 805 kg
Vehicle Length 4620 mm 2510 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1520 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1560 mm
Wheelbase Size 2650 mm 1820 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 22 L