1962 BMW 1800 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 370 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1800 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 1962 BMW 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 1800 has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 1800 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 54 L |
