1989 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (310 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 330 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 2008 BMW 330. 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | 330 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 63 L |
