1990 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 1 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 155 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 316 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
