1990 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 70 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 45 L |
