1985 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 360 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.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
