1990 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 2 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 75 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 518 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 518 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 69 L |