1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 27 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 190 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 2011 BMW 125 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 2011 BMW 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | 125 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
