1978 BMW 730 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 380 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 1978 BMW 730 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 1978 BMW 730. 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 730 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 730 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 185 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2630 mm |