1988 BMW 524 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 524 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
