2008 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 2008 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
