1989 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 22 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 180 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 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 53 L |
