1990 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Volvo C30
To start off, 2012 Volvo C30 is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo C30 weights approximately 216 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.
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, 2012 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo C30 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 | 2012 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Am | C30 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 60 L |
