2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 878 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 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 598 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 54 L |
