1998 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 316 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 1998 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 316 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
