2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-9 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 3,726 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda CX-9 (271 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 72 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.
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 CX-9 (370 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 2008 Mazda CX-9 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 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda CX-9 | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | CX-9 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3726 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 54 L |
