2008 Acura RL vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 7 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura RL weights approximately 92 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 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2008 Acura RL 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. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RL | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 54 L |
