1988 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 18 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 2,522 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 390 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 2006 Volvo V50 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, 2006 Volvo V50 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 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 | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Am | V50 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 60 L |
