2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 92 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus (338 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2740 mm |
