1988 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 589 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
