1988 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1988 BMW 316 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 316 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 316 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |