1990 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 420 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Am | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 66 L |
