1957 BMW 503 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 503 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 1957 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1957 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 503 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
