1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 16 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1987 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
