2002 BMW Z4 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z4 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z4 weights approximately 187 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 2002 BMW Z4 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 2002 BMW Z4. 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, 2002 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW Z4 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z4 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
