2006 BMW 118 vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2006 BMW 118 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 118 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 118 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 2006 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118. 2006 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 118 | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 118 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
