1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 25 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1185 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.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3001 mm |
