2007 BMW X3 vs. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2007 BMW X3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW X3 (268 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW X3 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 BMW X3 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. 2007 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW X3 | 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
