1995 BMW S3 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 BMW S3 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 1995 BMW S3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | S3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
