1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am

To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 2 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 460 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
Make Mercedes-Benz Pontiac
Model 300 Grand Am
Year Released 1986 1984
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2962 cc 2469 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 185 HP 89 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4400 RPM
Torque 260 Nm 179 Nm
Torque RPM 4400 RPM 2800 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 9.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 1590 kg 1130 kg
Vehicle Length 4770 mm 4520 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1340 mm
Wheelbase Size 2810 mm 2630 mm