2002 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 666 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW X3 (299 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 2011 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Sunfire | X3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1199 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2807 mm |
