1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW M1 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 BMW M1 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 1979 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Pontiac Grand Am | 1979 BMW M1 | |
Make | Pontiac | BMW |
Model | Grand Am | M1 |
Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2471 cc | 3453 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 273 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 179 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1140 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |