1996 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 77 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Prix | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
