2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 586 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
