1992 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 358 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 520 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 1992 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1992 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
