1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 94 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
