2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
