1975 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 520 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1975 BMW 520 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 1975 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
