1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1983 BMW 325
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 325 weights approximately 5 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 1983 BMW 325 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 1983 BMW 325. 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, 1983 BMW 325 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1983 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | 1983 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | 325 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
