2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 41 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLK | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
