1985 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 530 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2010 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
