2004 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (361 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 378 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 361 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 54 L |
